Meet Sgt. William Carney And More... :) Shangy! >Here are the details on our Yahoo ShangyFunList: To Subscribe send a blank email to ShangyFunList-subscribe@yahoogroups.com To UnSubscribe send a blank email to ShangyFunList-unsubscribe@yahoogroups.com Group home page: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/ShangyFunList or Web Site: http://www.ShangralaFamilyFun.com/ShangyFunList.html Group email address: ShangyFunList@yahoogroups.com or email me here: bcrsystems@earthlink.net ================ *~* Please Consider Giving To ShangralaFamilyFun.com :) The cost of the website has gone up dramatically due to the ever increasingly wonderful pages and photos being added each week to entertain you and our fellow Christian families. If every one would chip in $25 or more, we'd be good for the whole year! So Please - I need your help today! "We are each of us angels with but one wing, and can only fly by embracing each other" -Luciano Decrescenzo ~ CALLING ALL CARING ANGELS ~ *~* WE NEED CARING And SHARING Angels *~* >Do You Want To Be A Shangrala Angel? If you'd like to help and be counted as a Shangrala Angel, the easiest way to do that is through online giving. It is easy to use, and most of all, it is secure. Please visit the site, scroll down and click on the donate button. A Secure PAYPAL form page comes up. NOTE: Paypal will generate a 'Quantity 1' and 'Price per item' form. Just ignore the price per item and put whatever it is you desire to give in there. With Paypal, you will have your normal receipt for your 'payment' donation in USD (United States Dollars). You can put a memo in there if you'd like. Any amount is greatly appreciated and needed! PLEASE Visit Shangrala to Help: http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/index.html OR If you'd rather send us a donation, Please MAIL it here: Elrhea Bigham 502 S. Harrison Van Wert, OH 45891 *~* THANK YOU! MAY GOD BLESS YOU MOST ABUNDANTLY FOR YOUR GIFT! ================ *~* A REMINDER: PLEASE Send me sweet, interesting, funny, inspiring, family type forwards ANY TIME here... bcrsystems@earthlink.net I Need them, Love them, Use them, and Share them! THANK YOU!! AND For Facebook Users: Please Like Me here... http://tinyurl.com/cma6all AND Please Share This email with All Your Friends And Family! ^~^ May God SUPER BLESS You As You Do! THANK YOU! -<>- * NOTE: An easy way to adjust the size of print in email or any page is to hold down the Ctrl tab while moving the scroll button on the mouse. You can also use the keyboard to change the font size in your web browser or emails. Hold down the Ctrl key while pressing the + key for larger text or the - key for smaller text! ================ >-->In The 'Shangy' News :) . . . . ,-,--. __| //``-, \ \_`\ )\a-a-? \ \ \_`(_=_/_-`__ \__, , \| | _ _,' ___7 ) | (_)(_`__(_,---' | ( _( ) | / /_| |________| __/__/__|__|_________) _________(__,_|)/ (__)|/____\(_______________ mic If you didn't get our last week's group Inspirations email, or our Monday's Smiles email or wound up with 4 copies of both, don't feel bad. The Yahoo robot refused to send me a copy of either one even though I sent ones out to the group twice on Thursday, twice on Friday, twice on Monday and twice on Tuesday! Hopefully the Yahoo robot is back on track today. However, You can always read our regular emails though, no matter how picky the Yahoo robot gets because I upload them to my web site here: Shangy Fun List http://www.ShangralaFamilyFun.com/ShangyFunList.html This Weeks regular Shangy emails -<>- >-->3 HOT Off The 'Shangy' Press :) This red hot new page is from our friends LouiseAu and Geniann. It's a rib tickler sure to give you plenty of smiles and perhaps even some chuckles for your day. Be sure to check it out here... / \ / . \ / / \ \ / / \ \ / / \ \ / / \ \ / / WW \ \ / / C_ "-.__ \ \ / / "- "_ \ \ / / //|--L-\\ \ \ / / // |// \\ \ \ / `-----------------' \ `-----------------------' ctr Useless Signs 3 http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/uselesssigns3.html --- ...LOL! Still giggling! Thanks Ladies! This next equally smoking hot new page is from our friends Johanna and LouiseAu. It will give you your aww quota for the day along with more lighthearted giggles. Be sure to give it a few minutes and check it out here... . . :"-. .-"; |:`.`.__..__.'.';| || :-" "-; || :; :; / .==. .==. \ : _.--._ ; ; .--.' `--' `.--. : : __;` ':__ ; No, I did not push the dog. ; ' '-._:;_.-' ' : '. `--' .' ."-._ _.-". .' ""------"" `. /`- -'\ /`- -'\ :`- .' `. -'; ; / \ : : : ; ; ; ; : : ':_:.' '.;_;' :_ _; ; "-._ -" :`-. _.._ :_ () _; "--::__. `. \"- -"/`._ : .-"-. -"-. ""--..____.' / .__ __. \ : / , / "" \ . \ ; bug "-:___..--" "--..___;-" Look Who's Talking 16 http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/talking16.html --- ...Never get enough of this series! Thanks Ladies! This too hot to handle new page is from our friend Karen. It gives us a wonderful mix of God's warm romantic sunsets on an ocean beach along with fantastic touches of human ingenuity and creativity to capture our imagination. Be sure to check it and the video out here... .'' ._.-.___.' (`\ //( ( `' '/ )\ ).__. ) ' <' `\ ._/'\ ` \ \ VK Driftwood Art 2! http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/driftwoodart2.html --- ...Wow! Amazing artwork! Thanks Karen! =========================================================== >-->From Heartwarmers: .-""""- F .-' F J I I L `. L `-._, `-.__.-' ## ### # #### _____ ## .---#####-...__ .--' `-### .--..-' ###### ""`---.... _____.----. ###`.._____ .' ####### a:f ### / -. ####### _.--- ### .( ####### # : `--... ###### # `. ``. ###### : :. ##### .' ) ### .' / ## _.' | .## ,:' | ' >MOON SET by Bobbi Hahn As I've gotten older, the joy of "sleeping in" has become a thing of the past, so I'm awake most days by 5:30 or so. There are many benefits to being an early riser, not the least of which is enjoying magnificent sunrises. This morning, however, I witnessed another of Mother Nature's spectacular shows --a moonset. Whenever the moon is full, I have trouble sleeping anyway, so often when I awaken in the middle of those nights, I'll go outside just to bask in moonlight. It is so much softer and feels gentler than sunlight, making everything appear more attractive, like the filming techniques used for aging movie stars years ago. I'd read that Mars would be making an appearance, so when I awakened a little after five, I went out on the deck to see what I could see. And there was the big old moon, hanging right in front of me. Off to the left, and much higher in the sky, I saw one bright star -- could that be Mars? It didn't look any different from a normal star, so later today I'll have to check on the location of Mars. (My astronomical skills obviously need work.) I live on Hilton Head Island, a major destination for visitors from around the world. This week begins a slowing down in tourist visits, as children head back to school. The island settles into a more normal phase, and residents breathe a sigh of relief at finding a parking space closer to the grocery store. Our villa is situated in a perfect location -- a short walk takes me to a lovely little shopping area that holds a Post Office, several shops and restaurants, and my hairdresser. A short bike ride in the opposite direction takes me to work; on the way, I pass a few lagoons and a tidal creek, where I always check for alligators or various coastal birds. It's a slow, peaceful life that I love with a surprisingly deep passion. You see, I'm a city girl. I was born and raised in Philadelphia. I loved the energy and yes, even the noise that comes with city living. I never imagined that I would fall in love with the natural beauty of a small barrier island in South Carolina, of all places! But fall in love is exactly what I did -- hard. And forever. I cannot imagine living anywhere else. My life here is soothing, and feeds my creativity because to be inspired, all I need do is walk out the door. Our deck overlooks a lagoon, and the fountain in the middle made soothing sounds as I sipped my coffee and watched the moon slipping down the sky. Once they begin their descent, I'm always surprised by how fast the sun or moon set. Before it disappeared behind the tall live oaks across the lagoon, the moon played hide and seek behind some clouds. The clouds were barely visible, blending into the sky which was turning a sharper blue as it lightened into day. Wisps would pass across the moon's face, making it a momentary spooky with a Halloween look. But soon the moon would reappear, so full and looking close enough to grasp in the palm of my hand. All too soon, the clouds grew thicker, the moon descended below the treetops, and my lunar encounter was at an end. I lingered over my lukewarm coffee, reluctant to go inside and begin the mundane routine with which we all prepare for work. But this day would be different -- it began with wonderment. Who could ask for a better beginning for the blessing of another day in paradise? -- Bobbi Hahn __________________________________________________ Bobbi lives in that cozy villa beside a lagoon with her husband and two elderly cats. She is a frequent contributor to Heartwarmers and Petwarmers, and more of her work can be seen on her website: http://www.bobbihahn.com =========================================================== >-->From Our Friend LouiseAu :) ()__ ||**Z__ ||**|**=Z____ ||**|**=|====| ||==|**=|====| ||""|===|====| || `"""|====| jgs || `""""` >Meet Sgt. William Carney: The first African-American Medal of Honor recipient https://tinyurl.com/y65arcq3 Of the 3,498 service members who have received the Medal of Honor throughout U.S. history, only 88 have been black. The first black recipient of the award: Army Sgt. William H. Carney, who earned the honor for protecting one of the United States' greatest symbols during the Civil War -- the American flag. Carney was born into slavery in Norfolk, Virginia, in 1840. His family was eventually granted freedom and moved to Massachusetts, where Carney was eager to learn and secretly got involved in academics, despite laws and restrictions that banned blacks from learning to read and write. Carney had wanted to pursue a career in the church, but when the Civil War broke out, he decided the best way he could serve God was by serving in the military to help free the oppressed. In March 1863, Carney joined the Union Army and was attached to Company C, 54th Massachusetts Colored Infantry Regiment, the first official black unit recruited for the Union in the north. Forty other black men served with him, including two of famed abolitionist Frederick Douglass' sons. Within a few months, Carney's training would be put to the ultimate test during the unit's first major combat mission in Charleston, South Carolina. On July 18, 1863, the soldiers of Carney's regiment led the charge on Fort Wagner. During the battle, the unit's color guard was shot. Carney, who was just a few feet away, saw the dying man stumble, and he scrambled to catch the falling flag. Despite suffering several serious gunshot wounds himself, Carney kept the symbol of the Union held high as he crawled up the hill to the walls of Fort Wagner, urging his fellow troops to follow him. He planted the flag in the sand at the base of the fort and held it upright until his near-lifeless body was rescued. Even then, though, he didn't give it up. Many witnesses said Carney refused to give the flag to his rescuers, holding onto it tighter until, with assistance, he made it to the Union's temporary barracks. Carney lost a lot of blood and nearly lost his life, but not once did he allow the flag to touch the ground. His heroics inspired other soldiers that day and were crucial to the North securing victory at Fort Wagner. Carney was promoted to the rank of sergeant for his actions. For his bravery, Carney was awarded the Medal of Honor on May 23, 1900. Carney's legacy serves as a shining example of the patriotism that Americans felt at that time, despite the color of their skin. As for the 54th Massachusetts Colored Infantry Regiment in which Carney served? It was disestablished long ago but reactivated in 2008. It now serves as a National Guard ceremonial unit that renders honorary funerals and state functions. --- ...Thank you LouiseAu! ()__ ||**Z__ ||**|**=Z____ ||**|**=|====| ||==|**=|====| ||""|===|====| || `"""|====| jgs || `""""` If you are like me and love God, this country, our flag, and freedom, you may have shed a tear for the patriotism of this man and his bravery. I sure did. I had never heard of him before and the question is why not? My answer in my own mind is maybe I did and as with most history in school it went out my head as I felt it stupid to have to memorize this battle or this date or this whatever when it would not help me later on in my adult life. Anyway, I wish our youth of today were shown and taught how important freedom is and how much we have fought and treasured and valued to keep it throughout our United States' history. Our flag is our symbol of freedom and the proud men and women who have suffered and died for it. Men and women of all colors and from all nationalities have given their all to uphold the God given freedoms we hold so dear. The US flag flying proudly is an ode to them and their heroic actions that have kept us free. May God Bless them, their families and all who stand for freedom! =========================================================== _..._ ||||||| ||||||| _|*****|_ ( '-...-' ) {`;-----;`} {(| a a|)} \| _\ |/ \ - / jgs '{_}` >-->Speaking of Freedom... by emb I have been very torn lately with my Christian Democrat friends. I have been praying for them and all Christians alive in the flesh to know the truth and not be deceived by themselves or anyone or anything according to God's will through Christ Jesus. You may wonder why. The reason is that we as Christians are all God's children. I have noticed with my Democrat Christian friends that they are as perplexed as I am concerning opposite political minded Christians. They find it difficult to fathom how Christians can be Republicans supporting President Trump for re-election just as I find it so hard to believe that they as Christians can be Democrats supporting Joe Biden for election to President. So why are we so divided? Why indeed? We are supposed to be like- minded with our mind and hearts attuned to God's wisdom through Jesus Christ our Lord. So, the only answer is that the devil is pulling the wool over our eyes. Only one candidate can be the best and God's choice to lead this country according to His will. The devil is pulling the strings or like the wizard of Oz behind the invisible curtain of our life manipulating us through his smoke and mirrors shanaganes. _ _|_|_ ,|_| |_|_ || | | |_| || | | | | || | | | | _|| | | | | ||)\ ^ ^ ^ | || | | || | | || | | \\ | \\ / ejm )\ ( / \ \ / \ \ \ \ I therefore felt it important to give it to God to help me and my opposite political leaning Christian friends to know the truth. Take the veil away so we can see things more clearly. I reference this: 2 Cor.4: [4] In whom the god of this world hath blinded the minds of them which believe not, lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine unto them. Of course, I and my Christian friends are already saved but the god of this world is still up to his old tricks with us. I choose to go with President Trump because of his actions. He stands up for God and religious freedom. It is important to have a leader with God on his side. If you don't stand for God, He can't stand for you so a President who is not recognizing God is not going to be a good leader for the country. , , /////| ///// | ///// | |~~~| | | |===| |/| | B |/| | | I | | | | B | | | | L | / | E | / |===|/ jgs '---' I also look to Christian leaders who are perhaps more aligned and in the know as to God's will. I see many Christians like Franklin Graham, and Dr. Robert Jeffress supporting President Trump. I also see a non political organization applauding Trump for his religious freedoms actions... Heritage President Kay C. James Applauds Administration’s Efforts on National Religious Freedom Day Washington—Heritage Foundation President Kay C. James released the following statement in response to President Trump’s announcement today on National Religious Freedom Day: “Today’s announcement is a welcome response to a serious national problem. For too long, Americans have faced restrictions on their ability to live according to their religious beliefs. Government policies have infringed on the freedom of students, social service providers, and other religious organizations to act according to their beliefs in the public square. President Trump has responded with policies that would protect the freedom of students to pray in school; that would repeal discriminatory Obama-era rules that violate the rights of religious groups that provide social services; and that would prevent states from discriminating against qualifying religious organizations when distributing grant money. America’s Founders resisted the temptation to force citizens to conform to a single government-approved orthodoxy. The First Amendment that enshrines religious freedom for all is a national treasure. Government respect for this freedom is essential to peace and tolerance in a society of many religions. Today, the Trump administration has rightly returned some of the freedoms of Americans to think, speak, and act according to their own beliefs—not the government's.” https://tinyurl.com/y68dr9d4 That is the kind of actions that I see President Trump doing that conveys to me he has God and our freedoms in mind. I appreciate that and it makes me want to vote for him due to his actions and his great achievements for all races and gender so far as President. To date, the administration of President Donald Trump has taken significant action on issues of concern to social conservatives -- life, family, and religious liberty: Here's what President Trump has done just recently that the news media isn't telling you about... On July 8, HHS Secretary Alex Azar issued a statement celebrating the Supreme Court ruling in Little Sisters of the Poor v. Pennsylvania. The ruling upheld the Trump administration's expansion of religious freedom protections under the Affordable Care Act's contraception mandate. On July 9, the Treasury Department sanctioned four current or former Chinese government officials and one Chinese government entity for their abuses against the Uyghur Muslim minority in China. On July 21, OCR resolved a religious discrimination complaint against the Prince George's Hospital Center of the University of Maryland Medical System (UMMS). Because of COVID-19 restrictions, the hospital denied a patient's request to have a Catholic priest visit the hospital to provide spiritual care. OCR worked with the hospital system to revise their visitor's policy to allow religious visitations during the pandemic. On July 31, the Treasury Department sanctioned a Chinese paramilitary organization in connection to their human rights abuses against Uyghur Muslims in China. On August 5, Vice President Mike Pence gave a speech on the importance of protecting life and reaffirmed the administration's pro-life positions. He also became the first vice president to visit a pregnancy resource center – these centers are valuable lifelines that offer abortion-free services for women facing crisis pregnancies. Visit here for a full by date listing of Pres. Trump's Actions: https://tinyurl.com/y4u8vzba However, if you search for Joe Biden's 44 years serving in politics - his accomplishments you get this... 'Biden led the efforts to pass the Violent Crime Control and Law Enforcement Act and the Violence Against Women Act, and oversaw the contentious U.S. Supreme Court nominations of Robert Bork and Clarence Thomas.' Then he has a big list of first day as President agenda. Here's just a few of his promises... 'Biden has pledged to send a bill to Congress repealing liability protections for gun manufacturers, and closing background-check loopholes. He would send an immigration bill to Congress creating a pathway to citizenship for 11 million undocumented immigrants and retaining rights for “dreamers,” who were brought to the United States illegally as children. He would move to eliminate tax cuts passed under Trump in 2017, affecting individuals as well as large corporations. 'Biden has vowed on his first day to restore federal workers’ rights to unionize. He would also reinstate federal guidance, issued by Obama and revoked by Trump, that would restore transgender students’ access to sports, bathrooms and locker rooms in accordance with their gender identity. In other words, Biden will take us back to his with Obama years of Godlessness and devastation for all. Oh boy, oh joy. No thanks. I'll stick with Trump 2020! Especially since Biden is all for socialism with communist/socialist loving Bernie Sanders and over the top New Green Deal socialist environmentalist AOC. Socialism is against God. Distributing wealth and forcing people to give to the poor is not according to God's Word which is His Will. He spells it out in His Word, the bible: , , /////| ///// | ///// | |~~~| | | |===| |/| | B |/| | | I | | | | B | | | | L | / | E | / |===|/ jgs '---' 2 Thes.3: [10] For even when we were with you, this we commanded you, that if any would not work, neither should he eat. 2 Cor.9: [7] Every man according as he purposeth in his heart, so let him give; not grudgingly, or of necessity: for God loveth a cheerful giver. The DNC slapped God by doing this 'little' omission... >DNC Committee Omits ‘Under God’ From The Pledge Of Allegiance "The pledge has included the phrase “one nation under God” since Congress passed a law, signed by President Dwight D. Eisenhower, in 1954 to add it to the recitation. So, regardless of this 2020 panel’s objectives, the official pledge includes the religious phrase. “Under God” was added largely in response to the Cold War era’s threats of communism and the ideas of Marxist-Leninist countries. Ironically, many leaders of the Democratic Party are once again advocating Marxism through revisionist history and the Black Lives Matter organization. Anyone who has watched the trajectory of the Democratic Party, now with Joe Biden and Kamala Harris at the helm, shouldn’t be surprised at the omission. After all, this presidential nominee pledged to go after nuns for refusing to violate their consciences in providing abortifacients. Catholic churches denied Biden Holy Communion for his aggressively pro-abortion policy positions, and he signaled support for using taxpayer dollars to fund abortions, directly contradicting the most basic of biblical principles. Biden’s running mate is arguably leagues worse with regard to religious bigotry. Harris’s anti-Catholic posture led her to fight the confirmation of Judge Brian Buescher over his membership in the Knights of Columbus, a Catholic fraternal service order. As attorney general of California, Harris also launched an intrusive investigation into citizen journalist David Daleiden for taking undercover videos that exposed abortion giant Planned Parenthood for trafficking aborted baby body parts. Congress continues to do nothing about this appalling atrocity. All this is also to say nothing of the Democratic Party’s increasing disdain for traditional religious teaching on marriage, the family, and church, to name a few. As the convention progresses, we shouldn’t be surprised when Democratic Party and committee leaders take God out of the Pledge of Allegiance. They’re usually trying to take Him out of everything else. https://tinyurl.com/yxc9zxqf And to continue with their anti-God and racist ways, they slap Native Americans too by doing this... Democratic National Convention Puts Elizabeth Warren On Native American Panel The Cherokee Nation, long offended by Warren’s ancestral claim to tribal ancestry, demanded Warren apologize in the aftermath of her DNA test results and rescind her false assertions of blood association with the Native group. https://tinyurl.com/y5etdwxj Yet the DNC appointed her on that panel - reminding them of her disrespecting them most all her life and using them to further her career and agenda. Pretty sad. But that's today's Democrat party. No longer for the working man and woman in America. They are the party of One World Order - United for every one who isn't an American. =========================================================== >-->Daily Encounter , , /////| ///// | ///// | |~~~| | | |===| |/| | B |/| | | I | | | | B | | | | L | / | E | / |===|/ jgs '---' >Encouraging One Another "And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds. Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another--and all the more as you see the Day approaching."1 As a boy he worked long hours in a factory in Naples. He longed to be a singer, and when he was only ten years old, he had his first voice lesson. "You can't sing. You haven't any voice at all. Your voice sounds like the wind in the shutters," his teacher said. The boy's mother, however, disagreed. She believed that he had a talent to sing. Though very poor, putting her arms around him, she said, "My boy, I am going to make every sacrifice to pay for your voice lessons." Her confidence in him and constant encouragement paid off. That boy became one of the world's greatest singers--Enrico Caruso! We all need encouragement! We all--including, and especially our children--need someone to believe in us. For many of our children, this school year looks very different than the past and will bring challenges as many are learning virtually. Many parents will also feel the frustrations these challenges bring. Give yourself, and your children, grace. You are not alone and God will give us the strength to overcome the most difficult times. Let us encourage one another and keep moving forward one step at a time. As the Bible also teaches, "Encourage one another daily."2 Note that it says daily! So let's be sure to encourage someone today--and every day for the rest of our lives. Suggested prayer: "Dear God, thank You for all the people who, over the years, believed in and encouraged me to achieve something worthwhile with my life. Help me also to be an encourager to every person You bring into my life--and especially to my loved ones. Thank You for hearing and answering my prayer. Gratefully, in Jesus Christ's name, amen." 1. Hebrews 10:24-25 (NIV). 2. Hebrews 3:13 (NIV). <:((((>< , , /////| ///// | ///// | |~~~| | | |===| |/| | B |/| | | I | | | | B | | | | L | / | E | / |===|/ jgs '---' >God's Appointments "Commit your way to the LORD, Trust also in Him, And He shall bring it to pass."1 Late one evening a professor sat at his desk working on the next day's lectures. He shuffled through the papers and mail placed there by his housekeeper. He began to throw them in the wastebasket when one magazine--not even addressed to him but delivered to his office by mistake--fell open to an article titled, "The Needs of the Congo Mission." The professor began reading it idly, but then was consumed by these words: "The need is great here. We have no one to work the northern province of Gabon in the central Congo. And it is my prayer as I write this article that God will lay His hand on one--one on whom, already, the Master's eyes have been cast--that he or she shall be called to this place to help us." The professor closed the magazine and wrote in his diary: "My search is over."2 He gave himself to the Congo. His name? Albert Schweitzer! If you know about the marvelous missionary service done by Albert Schweitzer, you will realize that it was no accident that this magazine was delivered to Schweitzer's mailbox "by mistake" and then fell open at the article, "The Needs of the Congo Mission," as he was about to throw it in the trash. Over and over again each of us who are committed to following Christ in our daily life can also testify to God's appointments in our life. And as we look back over the past, we can trace the footprints of God leading and guiding every step of the way. And they will keep doing so until the end of life's journey and we meet Jesus face to face and hear his, "Welcome home, good and faithful servant." Suggested prayer: "Dear God, thank You that my life is in Your hands. Thank You, too, that You lead and guide me every step of the way when I daily commit and trust my life and way to You. Thank You for hearing and answering my prayer. Gratefully, in Jesus Christ's name, amen." 1. Psalm 37:5 (NKJV). 2. Leadership, Vol. 12 No. 3. <:))))>< When copying or forwarding include the following: "Daily Encounter by Richard (Dick) Innes (c) 2016 ACTS International. =========================================================== >-->From Archives InspiredBuffalo: _ _|_|_ ,|_| |_|_ || | | |_| || | | | | || | | | | _|| | | | | ||)\ ^ ^ ^ | || | | || | | || | | \\ | \\ / ejm )\ ( / \ \ / \ \ \ \ >"In My Prayers" As you make your way through a fog of tears, a landslide of heartache and multiple fears, I'll remember you in my prayers. While God holds you safe in the palm of His hand and sends His angels to help you stand, I'll remember you in my prayers. Each minute you long for peace and rest, courageously fighting this willful test, I'll remember you in my prayers. When a ray of hope pierces the night and your faith is renewed by the heavenly sight, I'll drop to my knees and thank the Lord for the grace of prayer and your spirit restored. Amen! -<>- __i |---| |[_]| |:::| |:::| `\ \ \_=_\ jsm >THREE CELL PHONES By: Joseph J. Mazzella I saw something that both amused me and saddened me the other day. Three teenage girls were walking up the street together, but they didn’t seem together at all. Even though they walked side by side, they weren’t talking to each other. They weren’t laughing together. They weren’t even looking at each other. Instead each girl’s eyes rested firmly on their hands outstretched in front of them because in each girl’s palm was a cell phone. I am not sure why they weren’t talking to each other. Perhaps they were. With today’s technology it is hard to tell. Still, it made me shake my head to think that something as small as a cell phone could put so much distance between girls who were so close together. Since the beginning of time ideas and inventions have flowed from the mind of God to the minds of people. Since the beginning of time too, however, people have used these ideas and inventions to both help and hurt themselves. The person who first cast metal saw their idea turned into plowshares that helped feed thousands and swords that killed thousands more. Nobel saw his invention of dynamite used to blow apart mountains, to build roads for the benefit of everyone. He also saw it used to blow apart bodies and end countless lives in war. Albert Einstein saw the fruit of his genius used to create abundant power that helps millions of people everyday. He saw as well it used to build bombs that could kill us all a hundred times over. Every invention and every piece of technology can be used to help us grow better and closer together or it can be used to distance us and destroy us. The choice is in how we use it. The key I feel is love. God’s greatest wish is for us to love each other. I hope you make all of your calls and e-mails joyous gifts of love then. But if there is someone right beside you who needs your love don’t be afraid to turn off the electronics, look them in the eye, and give them a hug. -<>- >Links for Your Enjoyment: I Believe...- http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/believe.html Jesus Clinic!- http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/clinic.html Friendship http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/friendship.html Beaches In India http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/beaches.html Cell Phone Madness 2 http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/cellphone2.html Dirty Car Art http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/carart.html Humor In Politics 19 http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/politics19.html Japan's Crop Art http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/cropart.html Random Acts Of Kindness!- http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/actsofkindness.html All About Hugs http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/hugs.html My Precious Child! http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/mychild.html Short Life Stories! http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/lifestories.html Pencil Furniture http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/pencilf.html Fairy Garden Pot Art! http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/potart.html Summer Index http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/summerindex.html -<>- >From Christian Life Daily: Mike Pence Made History Visiting a Place No VP Has Ever Been to Before https://tinyurl.com/yxzucnbz Activists Arrested for Chalking “Black Preborn Lives Matter,” While BLM Vandals Remain Free https://tinyurl.com/y49ghsx6 Elon Musk Admits He Prayed to God for Safe SpaceX Landing https://tinyurl.com/yyykvn9r -<>- Dr Robert Jeffress Addresses Racism and Lawlessness In America https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=33PW5a8Jbp4 AFA: Lockdowns Don't Work. Period. https://tinyurl.com/y2g5rl54 Family Throws Gender Reveal Party For Teenage Daughter https://tinyurl.com/yy348crp -<>- >In The News: VA News: Top State Veteran Monuments, GI Bill Benefits, Back to School Q&A, Suicide and Homelessness Resources https://tinyurl.com/y6jquj48 20 Minute Yelling Match: Anderson Cooper vs. MyPillow CEO https://tinyurl.com/y6qv3w4a Joe Biden’s Pick for Vice President, Kamala Harris, Comes With Lots of Baggage https://tinyurl.com/y6hydl2k Disgraced Former FBI Chief ‘Went Rogue’ Says Sally Yates in Senate Testimony https://tinyurl.com/y24sjtcz Lockdown Forever: So-called “Experts” Claim Years Before Kids can Return to School Without Restrictions / Iowa State Professor Under Fire for Threatening to Dismiss Students Who Oppose Abortion and Black Lives Matter / Shock Poll: Black Voters Under the Age of 30 Open to Trump. Oppose Abortion and Homosexual Marriage https://reliablenewsnow.com/ Westwing News: The Israel-UAE Deal Proves That President Trump's Foreign Policy is Working https://www.whitehouse.gov/westwingreads/ WhiteHouseNews: https://www.whitehouse.gov/1600daily/ Latest From AFA: http://tinyurl.com/j7lakqw Students For Life https://tinyurl.com/yd5nxmu6 Latest From OperationRescue: http://www.operationrescue.org/ Latest Product Alert: http://www.emergencyemail.org/products/?fmt=text Latest Health Alert: http://www.emergencyemail.org/health/?fmt=text Click to Give Free https://tinyurl.com/y2abb8d2 -<>- Revisiting... >From Our Friend LouiseA :) The Stig is a professional stunt driver on the popular car show Top Gear. After watching this video, I think he might be the craziest person on the planet. You won't believe what he does in this F1 racing car. http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=OEcVusYl3y0 Dogs may act like we're always their superiors, and in some things we are, but that doesn't mean we don't have much we can learn from them in kind. Dogs are pure, they can hold on to the best of emotions or let go of bad ones with a swing of the tail. They forgive quickly and forget fast, and always show the love that is in their hearts. Yes, we can learn a lot from man's best friend. https://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=PKotol5koDA Located in Estonia, Rummu Prison used to be one of the Soviet Union's worst labor camps, used to punish dissidents and enemies of the state. Located in a quarry, the prisoners were used as cheap labor. After the fall of the Soviet Union, the prison was abandoned and the quarry was flooded, and a site that used to put fear in people's hearts - became an amazingly exotic beach! https://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=YHXaKH1zo6Q If you think driving where you live is bad take a look at some traffic in Africa filmed at Meskel Square in Addis Abeba, Ethiopia. The video has been speeded up for effect but you can still see how congested this intersection is and how no traffic lights are being used to regulate the flow of traffic. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UEIn8GJIg0E&feature=player_embedded --- ...Oh My! LOL! Thanks LouiseA! -<>- >From Our Friend Wesley :) true hermit? http://tinyurl.com/ldw956k --- ...Most Interesting! Thanks Wesley! Oh I don't know - a hermit is supposed to be a recluse - not a thief! -<>- >From Our Friend Melody :) That's why I love cats! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bpq_4ba7y18 One Pair Of Hands https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?v=10200715678792401 --- ...Beautiful! Lots of SMILES here! Thanks Melody! Visit Melissa's Online Store You can get anything you want (except for Melissa ) at the online store http://pdhomes.net/mall/babylissa/mySTORES/ISELL4.html ========================================================== >-->Trials , , /////| ///// | ///// | |~~~| | | |===| |/| | B |/| | | I | | | | B | | | | L | / | E | / |===|/ jgs '---' James 1:2-3 "Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance." (James 1:2-3) Do you ever wonder why, when you are feeling like you have had enough and don't know how you will continue to cope any longer, God sends something new for you to get through that may be even harder to bear. After 15 years of coming to terms with the physical limitations of my body, I found that I had a new type of pain and something that was more acutely serious than my original problem. It meant many doctors visits, scans and trips to hospital for treatment or rehabilitation. My focus changed because this current problem could not just be lived with as it was, it has to be treated and fixed. I've often thought that God sends us trials to wake us up, to show us our need of Him, or to put the needs and situations of others around us in better perspective. When God sends something else as well, I wonder if He is wanting to reinforce those messages, or to teach me something new. I don't know the answer, but at that time I found the following things to be true for me. God reinforced to me that He is with me in every situation, He showed me His promises and gave me new ones as well. He sent me friends and family to encourage me, to take me to appointments and care for me when I could not look after myself. He provided me with everything I "needed". I didn't know what the future held for me then, especially in terms of my job security after I had an operation, but I did know that God is always in control. Maybe even though I thought I had learned these lessons over that first 10-15 years, I needed a wake-up call to remind me who really is in control of my life and it's possible God will need to remind me again, if I lose sight of that, and become overwhelmed by the worries of everyday. God is always bigger than my problems! ABOUT THE AUTHOR Fiona Burrows lives in Melbourne Australia. After more than 20 years of chronic back pain, God is still teaching her lessons and providing His grace. ========================================================== >-->From LaughAndLift: , , /////| ///// | ///// | |~~~| | | |===| |/| | B |/| | | I | | | | B | | | | L | / | E | / |===|/ jgs '---' >Sometimes God says "not yet" (by Rick Warren) Hebrews 10:36-37 (NIV) says: You need to persevere so that when you have done the will of God, you will receive what he has promised. For in just a very little while, "He who is coming will come and will not delay." If you're discouraged because of God's delay in answering your prayers, understand the delay is NOT a denial. Just because the answer or the miracle hasn't come - yet - that doesn't mean God isn't going to answer or that he's forgotten you or that he doesn't care about you. It simply means "not yet!" Part of becoming spiritually mature is learning the difference between "no" and "not yet," between a denial and a delay. The Bible tells us, "He who is coming will come and will not delay" (Hebrews 10:37 NIV). God's delay may be a test of your patience. Anybody can be patient once. And, most people can be patient twice. And, a lot of us can be patient three times. So God tests our patience over and over and over. Why? So he can see how patient you are? No! He does it so *you* can see how patient you are. So you'll know what's inside you, and you'll be able to know your level of commitment. God tests you so that you can know he is faithful, even if the answers you seek are delayed. If you're discouraged, turn it around by remembering God teaches you patience during delay. Ask him to transform your discouragement into patience. You may be going through difficult times right now. You're discouraged because the situation you face seems unmanageable, unreasonable, or unfair. It may seem unbearable and inside you're basically saying, "God, I can't take it anymore. I just can't take it anymore!" But you can. You can stay with it longer because God is with you. He'll enable you to press on. Remember, you are never a failure until you quit. Resist discouragement and finish the race God has set before you. SUBSCRIBE INFO Want to receive a Christian inspirational item AND great clean humor in an email to you each day of the week? It's easy and FREE! Read all about Laugh & Lift at http://www.laughandlift.com ========================================================== !|| !|||| ,/|||| !|'''| `\ | )\ \ ejm / \ \ \ >-->God Knows... We all have some kind of purpose on this earth, It's not to hurt people or tell them their worth. Everyone was put here with an equal chance, Take a look around you, take a good long glance. Some were meant to heal, and some to teach, Some are used to build, and some to reach. You may not know your purpose just yet, God will tell you, when he knows you are set. Don't rush your fate, it has already been planned. And God will always be there to lend a helping hand. You will go through times that are really rough, But you will always have someone, when the going gets tough. Don't judge others, for when you do, There is always someone else, judging you. Think about things before they are said, Say your prayers before going off to bed. Take time just to sit, and observe all things, A flower and it's petals, or a bird and it's wings. For when you just look at what is around, A new aspect on life could be what you have found. Live for today, live one day at a time. Live for yourself, and for God, that's no crime. For when you do all these things to make your life great, You will find your own way to the pearly white gate. - Author Unknown >Updated FUN STUFF URLS - Oh Yeah Shangy! ---------------------------------------------------------------------- http://www.ShangralaFamilyFun.com/urls.html FUN URLS ---------------------------------------------------------------------- -->ShangyFunList AD RATES: $20 will get your a message (of up to 40 words) out to all self-subscribed readers and $5 more will give you the same message also put up for all web site readers. Email me to secure dates. Ad Request ---------------------------------------------------------------------- -->FULL LENGTH - FREE On line AUDIO MP3 Christian Foundational Class http://www.truthortradition.com/modules.php?name=News&file=article&sid=61 NEW LIFE IN CHRIST! ---------------------------------------------------------------------- -->This is for all you who love food and DARE to make it at home Yep. You guessed it - Recipes. These are Tried and True, Yummy to the Tummy, good old fashioned home cooking recipes that are EASY to do Visit Shangy's Easy-Does-It Home Recipes: http://www.ShangralaFamilyFun.com/easy.html Home Recipes >Got A good Recipe? SHARE IT HERE: Share A Recipe ********************************************************************** >TO SUBSCRIBE:Visit Here This Weeks regular Shangy emails OR For the Yahoo ShangyFunList: To Subscribe send a blank email to ShangyFunList-subscribe@yahoogroups.com **********************************************************************